Apple faces EU regulatory struggle over iPhone 17 design

Portless design already ditched from next generation smartphone

Life

iPhone 16e

Apple was gearing up for the unveiling of the iPhone 17 Air, a sleek and ultra-slim version of the upcoming iPhone 17 series, designed as a successor to the iPhone Plus. This innovative model was to be Apple’s first step towards a future without charging ports, replacing traditional charging ports with a completely wireless experience. This vision, championed by industry insider Mark Gurman in his Power On newsletter, sparked excitement about the potential for a truly seamless smartphone experience.

However, Apple’s ambitions encountered regulatory hurdles. Concerns over stringent EU regulations, which have already forced Apple to make significant changes such as discontinuing iPhones with Lightning ports in the EU, led to apprehension. The company feared that the groundbreaking portless design would conflict with these new laws, ultimately forcing them to abandon their original plan.

The iPhone 17 Air has also undergone other adjustments. To prevent issues like the infamous bending of the iPhone 6 Plus, Apple reduced the screen size from 6.9″ to about 6.6″.

Despite these setbacks, the iPhone 17 Air still boasts some impressive features. The device will be equipped with a high-density battery, providing a similar lifespan to its thicker counterparts. The A19 chip, not the more powerful A19 Pro, will power the device, along with Apple’s energy-efficient proprietary mobile modem.

Interestingly, the iPhone 17 Air is expected to follow the example of the iPhone 16e, featuring a single rear camera. Renders of the final design have surfaced, revealing a phone that, while reminiscent of Google Pixel models, boasts a stylish and appealing aesthetic.

Newsmonkey

Read More: Apple EU European Union